Ericeira holidays

How to reach Ericeira

Flight time: There are no direct flights to Ericeira. Flights to Lisbon Airport from London take about 2 hours 45 minutes.

Transfer time: Ericeira is roughly a 45-minute drive from Lisbon Airport. Most visitors opt for a taxi, rideshare or private transfer for the quickest connection. Public transport involves a combination of metro and bus services, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Price: A private taxi or transfer to Ericeira costs around €50–€60, while a metro ticket from the airport to a bus connection costs around €1.50; bus tickets to Ericeira are priced at €7–€10, total around €12.

Best time to visit Ericeira

• March to May: One of the best times to visit is spring, when the weather is warm (average temperatures climb from 18°C to 23°C) but not too hot, and the summer crowds are yet to arrive.

• June to August: In July and especially August (the Portuguese holiday month), the resort is busiest – meaning crowded beaches, among other things – and prices reach their peak. Temperatures hover around 30°C during the day, with barely a drop of rain and a solid 12 hours of sunshine daily.

• September to October: Another fantastic time to visit. The weather remains warm, with temperatures in the mid-20s and plenty of sunshine. The Atlantic is still very pleasant for swimming and surfing, and you’ll find fewer tourists clogging up the narrow streets.

• November to February: Although it’s winter, the weather remains very mild, averaging 10°C to 16°C with occasional rain showers (30–80mm per month). This is the best time for budget travellers and surfers, who come to enjoy the winter swells.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

• Local habits and customs: Do respect the traditional siesta hours between 1 pm and 3 pm when smaller shops might close; otherwise, dining is a leisurely affair and often starts late, around 8 or 9 pm. There is no hard and fast rule for tipping, which is not really a Portuguese custom; that said, in a café, restaurant or for taxis, it’s customary to round up the bill to the nearest euro or, for big amounts, the nearest note.

• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro. ATMs are plentiful and most establishments accept major credit cards. For smaller purchases in markets or cafés, having some cash handy is a good idea.

• Getting around: Ericeira is small enough to explore on foot. For trips further afield, including Lisbon, buses run regularly with fares starting at €1.50. Taxis and rideshares are also available, but car hire is recommended if you plan to explore the surrounding countryside.

• Electricity and plug types: Standard continental 220 volts. UK travellers will need a two-pin adaptor.

• Time zone: Ericeira is on Western European Time (WET), the same as GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed from late March to late October.

Best things to do in Ericeira

Just south of Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve – and certainly a busy resort in peak season when people flock here from Lisbon – Ericeira remains a laidback and highly attractive place of narrow lanes and whitewashed houses picked out in cobalt blue.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Miradouro de Ribeira d’Ilhas: This popular viewpoint overlooks one of the most iconic surfing beaches in Ericeira.

• Miradouro da Baleia: Located in the heart of Ericeira, this fabulous viewpoint is named after its whale-shaped rock formation; take your camera along at sundown.

The best districts

• Praça da República: The pretty Praça da República is the town’s colourful hub, ringed with cafés and pastelarias; there’s also a daily market nearby.

• Porto de Pesca: Below the town, the working fishermen’s port of Porto de Pesca is overlooked by the whitewashed chapel of Santo António (patron saint of Portuguese fishermen), and there’s a beach here too.

Museums

• Surf Museum: To get an idea of the cliffs, bays and waves along the coast, visit the small but entertaining surf museum above the Ericeira tourist office, which has interactive displays.

Parks and gardens

• Tapada Nacional de Mafra: Walk, cycle or picnic in this impressive walled park, once the hunting ground for the palace at Mafra.

Historical monuments

• Mosteiro Palácio Nacional de Mafra: A magnificent, over-the-top Baroque statement of intent, the undoubted highlight is the stupendously decorated library, with its 90m-long tiled floor.

• Capela de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem: This small chapel honours the patron saint of fishermen and is a beautiful reminder of Ericeira’s maritime heritage.

• Forte de Milreu: Situated near Ribeira d’Ilhas, this historic fortress once guarded the coastline. Whilst now a ruin, it still exudes a sense of authority.

Day trips in the area

• Lisbon: One of Europe’s most fascinating capitals is a captivating mix of ancient and contemporary with a beautiful location overlooking the Tejo River estuary.

• Sintra: About 40 minutes away, this hilltop retreat is one of the most scenic in the country, surrounded by opulent palaces and country estates.

• Tomar: The stunning Convento de Cristo is the undisputed highlight, but Tomar itself is a gem of a town.

• Obidos: After the coach tours have left, explore the atmospheric streets of this walled medieval town.

Activities for families in Ericeira

Whilst beaches and their associated activities (especially surfing) provide the mainstay of family entertainment on holidays to Ericeira, there are one or two more unusual activities available.

• Iberian Wolf Recovery Centre: In a hidden forest valley just 20km north of Lisbon, the Iberian Wolf Recovery Centre houses a dozen or so wolves in natural enclosures. Guided one-hour 30-minute visits allow you to walk around the enclosures and see (hopefully) some of the wolves up close.

• Boat trips: Take the boat from Peniche to Ilha da Berlenga, a sea-blasted island packed with millions of puffins, cormorants and other seabirds.

• Surf schools: Most surf schools in and around Ericeira offer lessons for children as well as adults (including family packages), making it a fun and active way to spend the day together.

Free things to do in Ericeira

Most free activities in Ericeira are oriented around the coast, notably the beaches and the opportunity to watch world-class surfing.

• Beaches: The town’s principal beach is Praia do Sul, while north of the port is Praia do Norte; the best for families, however, is at Foz do Lizandro (2km south), where the river guarantees safe bathing whatever the state of the sea.

• Free events: Each year the World Surfing Championships are held at Praia da Ribeira d’Ilhas (5km north of town), which also hosts the annual Quicksilver Pro Portugal professional surf event – these are terrific fun to watch and totally free.

Nature and outdoor activities in Ericeira

Surfing is of course the big thing here, but there are plenty more sedate ways of spending your time in Ericeira.

• Surfing: The Ericeira coast is famous as the heartland of Portuguese surfing and is in fact a World Surfing Reserve – so what better place to test out your skills? The reserve actually starts 4km north of Ericeira at Praia da Empa and continues north to São Lourenço.

• Coastal walks: The trails along the cliffs offer spectacular ocean views, the walk from Ericeira to Ribeira d’Ilhas being a particularly popular one.

Beaches to enjoy on Ericeira holidays

Ericeira holidays are all about soaking up the sun on stunning beaches that showcase Portugal’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a surfer chasing the perfect wave or a traveller looking to unwind by the sea, Ericeira’s coastline has something for everyone.

• Praia dos Pescadores

  Located in the heart of Ericeira, this small, sheltered beach is perfect for families and those seeking a relaxing day by the water. Its proximity to the town centre means you’re just steps away from charming cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood.

• Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas

  Known as one of Europe’s top surf spots, Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas is a must-visit for surfers of all levels. Even if you’re not into surfing, this beach offers a vibrant atmosphere and stunning ocean views, making it a great place to soak up the local surf culture.

• Praia de São Sebastião

  A quieter option for those looking to escape the crowds, Praia de São Sebastião is perfect for sunbathing and beachcombing. The dramatic cliffs and rugged landscape make this beach a favourite for photographers and nature lovers.

• Praia da Foz do Lizandro

  Ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts, this expansive beach offers plenty of space to relax and play. With calm waters, beachside cafes, and opportunities for paddleboarding or kayaking, it’s a versatile spot that caters to everyone.

• Praia de Matadouro

  Situated just a short distance from the town, this small, rocky beach is another popular surf destination. Its unique setting and fewer crowds make it a hidden gem for both surfers and beachgoers.

Ericeira’s beaches are a highlight of any holiday, offering the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty along Portugal’s stunning Atlantic coast. Whether you’re catching waves or enjoying a peaceful sunset, the beaches here are sure to leave lasting memories.

Local dishes in Ericeira

Renowned for excellent seafood – the town’s name is said to derive from the words ouriços do mar (sea urchin) – one of the joys of Ericeira holidays is partaking in its cuisine.

Some typical dishes

• Bacalhau: Pretty much the national dish, this dried, salted cod reputedly has 365 different ways of being prepared: the best for first-timers to try are bacalhau á bras (fried with egg, onions and potatoes) and bacalhau com natas (baked in cream).

• Cataplana: Named after the wok-like lidded copper vessel in which it’s cooked, this fish or seafood stew is simply irresistible.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Pescada com todos: Poached hake with potatoes, boiled eggs and greens.

• Grilled sardines: Providing one of the country’s most appetising smells, this summertime staple is served simply with olive oil, garlic and lemon.

• Bife de atum de cebolada: Tuna steak with stewed onions, cooked in an earthenware dish.

Meat dishes

• Porco à alentejana: A delicious fusion of pork and clams cooked with paprika and white wine, served with fried potatoes or bread.

• Alheira: A fried pork-free “sausage” traditionally of minced chicken and bread – more like a rissole than a sausage.

• Frango na púcara: Chicken casserole made with wine, port and brandy, a púcara being the earthenware pot it’s cooked in.

Street food

• Bifanas: Pork seasoned with garlic, white wine and spices then stuffed into a fresh bread roll.

• Pastéis de Bacalhau: These crispy codfish fritters are perfect for munching on as you explore the town.

Local drinks

• Vinho verde: Portugal’s excellent wines distinguish not only between tinto (red), branco (white) and rosé, but between verde (“green”, meaning young, acidic and slightly sparkling) and maduro (“mature”).

• Medronho: A strong fruit brandy distilled from the berries of the arbutus tree and usually taken as a digestif.